I'm not really convinced its in startups' best interests, either.
Being so limited, that is. Letting users get started without first creating yet another account is certainly awesome, and getting rid of that friction is undoubtedly a huge component of the success of sites like Stack Overflow.
But going with only one or two of the social behemoths seems unwise. It means you've decided to hitch your applecart to a business that, by virtue of being in the social space, could very easily become a competitor. Or decide to bless one of your competitors in some way that disadvantages you. Now, that's one thing if it's another startup with which you're forming a strategic partnership. But when it's one of the Facebooks or Twitters of Googles of the world, you're dreaming if you think you aren't doing business at the King's pleasure.
And with so many OpenID providers out there, it's not like it really takes any effort to give yourself some flexibility. So it's hard to fathom why any thoughtful, ambitious entrepreneur wouldn't want to do that.
Being so limited, that is. Letting users get started without first creating yet another account is certainly awesome, and getting rid of that friction is undoubtedly a huge component of the success of sites like Stack Overflow.
But going with only one or two of the social behemoths seems unwise. It means you've decided to hitch your applecart to a business that, by virtue of being in the social space, could very easily become a competitor. Or decide to bless one of your competitors in some way that disadvantages you. Now, that's one thing if it's another startup with which you're forming a strategic partnership. But when it's one of the Facebooks or Twitters of Googles of the world, you're dreaming if you think you aren't doing business at the King's pleasure.
And with so many OpenID providers out there, it's not like it really takes any effort to give yourself some flexibility. So it's hard to fathom why any thoughtful, ambitious entrepreneur wouldn't want to do that.